sUGAREE totally fucking rips!!! listening with Sennheiser headphones takes it to a whole other level...The boys were on!

Formerly the Capital Centre, then the US Air Arena, and now Nothing...
1st Set: A welcoming "Bertha" opens the three night stand about 25 minutes outside downtown Washington. "Promised" keeps the outlet open for people to bust out all of the frustrated energy from Not seeing the DEad in this area for a few years. Though, neither version is partiularly noteworthy. "Candyman" borders on the alright; Jerry's voice is Not sounding all that fresh, and the band's lacking that 'ummph.' Yet this crowd is so happy to be part of the Dead experience that they're clapping in between numbers, urging the band to rightfully kick the socks off their feet. "Minglewood" keeps the slow-burnin' groovin goin. "Push" is standard, though it's natural perky attitude fits right in with the highly expectant crowd. The combined harmonies of Phil and Brent rise "Tons" from the musical blahness of the rest of the set. There's nothing about this "Desolation" that can't be found in better versions earlier this year. "Deal" is also barely bordering on decent, though Jerry's solo builds a little steam to an ok climax.
2nd Set: "Today is Mickey's brithday; Happy Birthday Mickey" Of course, we get Jerry stringing along a little ditty. Hmmm...the band kinda casually plays "Sugar" despite Bobby's virile vocals. Add an 'ee," ironically it makes me whoop'ee' louder than I have all show as this has some might. "Estimated" is keenly played but not overpowering. "Eyes" is your prototypical abbreviated '87 version; however, this one is warmly intentioned nonetheless. Randon percussive noodling concludes "Eyes" and heads us into Mickey and Billy's jungle. "Drums/Space" pass-as they do-and we reemerge, crowd clapping to a brisk "GDTRFB." However, It's not a barnstormer by any means. Brent's Hammond appears at the tail end signifying an entrance into "Fantasy"land. His vigor raises the band into another mode which extends into a short but Jerry-blazing "Watchtower." Apparently this last number was a wake-up call as "Wharf" is full of genuine feeling. The show closes with the expected vigorous "Sunshine."
I'm still surprised that "Touch" never found itself during a whole three night stand in Providence. Anyways, this version suffices tho errors do abound.
2 3/4 stars

Was at this show. Very hot. Next night was even hotter. Phil seems a little lost in the mix on this recording at times. Somebody please upload a soundboard of this show. That would just about make my year. This would be 5 stars except for the tinny sound of the recording.

this show was awesome from start to finish. mickey looked happy and so were we. props to my sis for dealing with tripping heads using the pinball machine at 4am in the house. lots of bong yahtz during this tour. great times. love the split sugar/sun. very tight. yee ha!

being a head in the d.c. area in the mid-80s was a treat. phili was less than three hour drive, hampton and richmond to the south, close proximity to hot shows.
normally, i wouldn't make a point of this, however, the boyz played the heck out of the d.c. area: 83, 84, 85 at merriweather, r.f.k. '86, baltimore '82, hampton, richmond and others as well. the anticipation that the previous reviewer mentions is that palpable energy in the air due to the fact that these were the first d.c. area shows since jerry's recovery from '86 diabetic coma. the result was an intensely happy crowd.
i was surprised by the energy and beauty of this show. the estimated->eyes is gorgeous. nice sound, too. the echo of the big pringle chip hall is evident and adds color and depth that would be lacking on a board.

This was the first DC show in YEARS, and the anticipation was insane - last show I ever camped out to get tickets for. Also the first date I had with the woman who is now my wife. Mickey's birthday message was a nice little touch, as was the opening. All in all, a very pleasant example of late-80s Dead.

If my memory serves me correctly, Jerry broke a string during Deal, sure glad it was towards the very end of the song...What A "Deal"!

This show simply smoked from Bertha to Touch. Mickey's bday and I loved the second set opener Sugar Mag>Sugaree.

a Chubby, hoping this will work out. Can't wait.
7-21-04
AHHHHHHHH, finally a full Chubby and what a release, someone bring me a towel. Thank You for this show. WHAT A SUGAREE!!!!!!!! The sound is not the best but you know what, I don't care. I've been on search for this show for years now, ever since my cheap tape deck chewed my copy up years ago. This is still a must hear. The Boys were on for Mickey's B-Day from start to end.7-22-04
I just listened to Desolation Row, Bobby told the storey very well. Yes I love it as you can tell. LOL